November, 2003

>>>>>>>>>NEWS FLASH<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Jim will be giving a talk on the backstory of Disney's animated film "Frozen" at the Bloomingdale Branch of the New York Public Library on Saturday, May 16th.
There's still time to sign up by sending email to events@etccustomevents.com.

Jim Hill returns from NYC with a somewhat depressing story about the 5th Avenue Disney Store. What was once the crown jewel of the entire Disney retail chain is now a sad shell of itself. Where once there was great art ... now there are t-shirts for sale....

So what were the real reasons that Disney pulled the plug on "A Few Good Ghosts"? And is the company's Florida animation studio really closing? Jim Hill returns from LA with some rather surprising answers....

With tonight's airing of the first episode to be filmed since John Ritter's tragic death back in September, Disney officials are holding their breath and hoping that audiences will once again embrace this significantly revamped ABC sitcom....

Jim Hill reviews two books this week -- Floyd Norman's "Son of Faster, Cheaper" and Glen Hanson and Allan Neuwirth's "Chelsea Boys" -- and find he enjoys both volumes. But for very different reasons. ...

Did Disney's latest animated feature avoid a grizzly fate during its first weekend at theaters? Fur sure. Learn all sorts of interesting things about this new WDFA-F film PLUS enjoy a special guest appearance by animation legend Floyd Norman!...

The dictionary defines a mélange as being a "motley assortment of things." Well, that's exactly the sort of column that Jim Hill's serving up to JHM readers today: a motley assortment of moderately cool Disney-related stuff that popped in Jim's in-box over the past 72 hours. Enjoy!...

Jim's significant other -- Nancy S. -- and her good friend -- Angela R. -- share their secrets for getting the most fun out of the "Super Soap" festivities, which are being held at WDW's studio theme park this Saturday and Sunday....

A Japanese Epcot cast member has challenged Jim to quantify certain vague aspects of American English. Can you help Hill? If so, you could possibly win a copy of Jason Surrell's great "Haunted Mansion" book....